Method for mounting a tubular support component of a motor vehicle, in particular a vehicle seat, to another component, and connection between a tubular support component and another component

Abstract

To form a component connection (2) between a longitudinally extending tubular support component (4) and another component (6), in particular a vehicle seat, an end section (16) of the support component (4) is inserted into an opening (9). For an axial positive locking connection to the other component (6), the end section (16) is radially expanded to form at least one axial locking element (20) using a forming mandrel (22). This is achieved by radially displacing at least a section (24) of the forming mandrel (22), thereby deforming the end section (16). Conical expansion of the end section (16) is omitted. This keeps the stress on the end section (16) low.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for assembling a tubular support component of a motor vehicle, in particular a vehicle seat, extending in a longitudinal direction to another component, which has an opening into which an end region of the tubular structural component is inserted. The end region is radially expanded to form an axial lock for axially positive fastening to the other component. The invention further relates to a component connection between the tubular support component and the other component.

[0002] In motor vehicles, especially in vehicle seats, a tubular support component, hereinafter also referred to as a support tube, for example a cross brace, is often connected, in particular rotatably, to another component, for example a side part of the vehicle seat. For this purpose, an end region of the support component is inserted through a (bearing) opening in the other component. To form an axial, positive-locking connection with the other component and thus to form a component connection between the support tube and the other component, the end region of the support tube is radially expanded at least in some areas. This positive-locking connection also serves, in particular, as crash protection.

[0003] Such a component connection between a support tube and another component can be found, for example, in DE 10 2015 206 461 A1 or DE 20 2015 003 006 U1. The required forming and widening of the end region are each carried out in a two-stage process. In a first step, the end region is preformed at specific points using a tool that has conically expanding forming parts. Subsequently, in a second step, the final expansion is also carried out using conically expanding forming elements.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally, retaining rings are provided to secure the additional component to the support tube.

[0005] The forming process is generally carried out in such a way that an expanding forming tool is pressed into the support tube in the longitudinal direction, so that the force acting in the longitudinal direction increases the diameter of one end face of the support tube to form the axial securing device.

[0006] The further component is usually axially secured on both sides between the axial securing element and another abutment, for example an inner flange, an inner sleeve or an inner fold of the support tube.

[0007] Furthermore, the additional component and the tubular support member are typically mounted to one another for rotational movement. This enables a pivoting movement of the additional component about a rotational axis formed by the support member. A bearing component, in particular a plain bearing bush, is often mounted between the support member and the additional component.

[0008] The disadvantage of conventional forming using a conical tool pressed in longitudinally is that the expansion and formation of the axial locking element requires a high tolerance when expanding the support tube. Expanding the support tube into the bearing area can lead to stiffness during rotation of radially mounted elements. To avoid this, one end of the tubular support component must maintain a minimum distance from the bearing point. Due to the high tolerances, a longer minimum length of the support component is required, which leads to higher costs.

[0009] A further disadvantage is that the typically mechanical cutting of the load-bearing component often results in micro-damage in the form of micro-cracks, especially in the area of ​​the front end. Due to the axial forces acting on it, the end area at the front end experiences the greatest deformation, which, combined with the micro-damage, poses a risk of cracks and bursting of the pipe.

[0010] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of enabling the design of an axial locking device with high precision, in which the risk of mechanical damage is reduced.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for assembling a tubular support component of a motor vehicle, in particular a vehicle seat, extending in a longitudinal direction to a further structural component, which has an opening into which an end region of the support component is inserted, wherein the end region is radially expanded for axial form-fitting fastening to the further component to form at least one axial securing element. For at least partial radial expansion of the support component, the latter is formed in the end region with the aid of a forming mandrel at a defined forming point by radially displacing at least a portion of the forming mandrel.

[0012] Radial displacement is understood here to mean that at least one section of the forming mandrel is displaced in the radial direction and in particular only in the radial direction, so that the section preferably exerts exclusively a radial forming force.

[0013] Due to the radial displacement of at least one section, widening the end region using conically expanding forming elements driven axially into the support tube is therefore neither necessary nor intended. Therefore, preferably, no axial forces are transferred to the support tube during the forming process.

[0014] The displacement takes place, for example, in that at least one section is moved in the radial direction and thereby adjusted and is thus pressed radially against the wall of the end region and this is thereby deformed.

[0015] Due to the radial displacement, the outer shell of the supporting component is deformed radially outward at least in one and preferably in several partial areas (viewed in the circumferential direction). In particular, at least one discrete bulge, in particular a radially outwardly projecting nub, is formed. Each of these bulges defines an axial securing element. Preferably, several such bulges and thus securing elements are formed distributed around the circumference. Alternatively, it is also possible to form a bulge that extends completely around the circumference, for example in the manner of a bead, as a securing element.

[0016] By only radially offsetting the material at a defined forming point, the advantage of precisely positioned axial locking elements is also achieved. This targeted forming process therefore has no or significantly less impact on the pipe surface adjacent to the forming point than is the case with forming using a conical forming element driven axially from the pipe end into the support pipe. This is because such a forming process inevitably causes a large axial area to expand conically. Radial offsetting therefore avoids, in particular, the problem of stiffness or even jamming of rotatably mounted parts in the area of ​​the axial locking mechanism.

[0017] By designing the axial locking element with high positioning accuracy, the overall length of the support tube can be reduced compared to the state of the art, thus keeping costs low.

[0018] A further advantage is that the end face and the immediate surrounding area are not affected by the forming forces, or are significantly less affected. This significantly reduces the risk of cracks or other damage in the area of ​​the end face.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the forming mandrel is first inserted longitudinally into the tubular support component, specifically up to a predetermined end position or forming position. During longitudinal insertion, no forming of the end region occurs. In particular, the forming mandrel does not exert any radial or axial forces on the tubular shell. Only after reaching the predetermined forming position does the radial forming take place by radially displacing at least one section.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the end region has a free front end with an end face.

[0021] Preferably, the angular orientation of the end face is not affected by the forming process. In the finished component connection, the end face is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and thus parallel to a vertical plane to which the longitudinal direction forms the normal. The end face therefore retains the angular orientation it had before the forming process.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, a circumferential wall region of the end region, which adjoins the at least one axial securing element in the circumferential direction, is not deformed during the forming process and / or retains its original orientation, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction. In the finished component connection, this circumferential wall region therefore runs in the longitudinal direction, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] Further alternatively or additionally, an axial wall region of the end region, which adjoins the at least one axial securing element axially and thus counter to the longitudinal direction in the direction of the end face, is not deformed during the forming process and / or retains its original orientation, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction. In the finished component connection, this axial wall region therefore runs in the longitudinal direction, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0024] These designs are achieved by only radial offsetting and, in particular, by omitting a conical, longitudinally driven forming element. This ensures, in particular, that the end face and the immediately adjacent areas are subjected to as few mechanical forces as possible that could lead to damage.

[0025] These configurations are also characteristic features of the component connection formed according to the method presented here.

[0026] According to one variant, the forming preferably takes place at a distance from the end face, so that it is as unaffected as possible by the forming process. In particular, the axial wall area of ​​the end region adjacent to the end face is not deformed.

[0027] Alternatively, it is also possible for the forming to take place up to the end face, i.e., an axial wall area immediately adjacent to the end face is radially expanded. However, in this case, the orientation of the end face and / or the axial wall area is preferably not affected.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the forming mandrel comprises several sections that can be displaced relative to one another in the radial direction. The sections are preferably displaced in opposite directions in the radial direction. This causes the forming mandrel to expand or widen as a whole, thus increasing its radial dimensions.

[0029] The multiple sections preferably form a sleeve, thus defining a hollow space between them. For example, the sections form several circumferential segments of a slotted sleeve.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the forming mandrel comprises an expanding mandrel, which is displaced longitudinally relative to the at least one partial piece to radially displace it. The expanding mandrel exerts a radial force on the at least one partial piece, so that it is pushed radially outward, causing the radial forming. The expanding mandrel is therefore driven longitudinally between the partial pieces and, in particular, into the aforementioned cavity with an axially acting force.

[0031] Specifically, the expanding mandrel is conical, thus widening in the longitudinal direction. It therefore generally has an outer surface oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction, which interacts with and bears against an inner contact surface of the at least one section. This inner contact surface is preferably also tapered.

[0032] The at least one section is, in particular, a shell-shaped element extending in the longitudinal direction. This has an outer side that—when viewed in the longitudinal direction in plan view—is curved, in particular, in an arcuate manner. It preferably has a radius that corresponds to an inner radius of the tubular support component. The outer side of the at least one section therefore bears, in particular, over its entire surface against the inner wall of the tubular support component.

[0033] To form the securing element, the section generally has at least one radially outwardly projecting forming element on its outer side. For this purpose, the section itself, for example, has a bulge or deformation forming the forming element. The forming element is, in particular, a radially projecting nub or rib.

[0034] The object is further achieved by a component connection between a tubular support component and another component having the features of claim 9. The advantages and preferred embodiments cited in connection with the method also apply analogously to the component connection and vice versa. The component connection is produced in particular by the previously described (assembly) method.

[0035] In the component connection, the tubular support component is inserted through the opening of the further component with its end region and has at least one axial securing element, which is formed by a radial deformation of at least a partial section of the wall of the tubular support component. Since only a radial deformation occurs through radial displacement and no conical spreading by driving in a conical deformed part, the component connection is characterized in particular by at least one and preferably at least two or all of the following features being met: - The end face is oriented parallel to a vertical plane to which the longitudinal direction is perpendicular. - A circumferential wall region of the tubular support component, which adjoins the at least one axial securing element in the circumferential direction, runs parallel to the longitudinal direction; this applies to the outer side and / or the inner side of the wall region. - An axial wall region of the tubular support component, which adjoins the at least one axial securing element axially and in particular counter to the longitudinal direction in the direction of the end face, runs parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0036] Preferably, the end region has a plurality of discrete axial securing elements in the circumferential direction, each of which is formed by a deformation. Circumferential wall regions extending in the circumferential direction between the discrete axial securing elements preferably run parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e., axially extending components of the circumferential wall regions run parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0037] This component connection is, in particular, part of a motor vehicle, specifically part of a vehicle seat of such a motor vehicle. The tubular supporting component (support tube) is, in particular, a cross tube, and the other component is a side part, for example, of a seat pan, a seat part, or a backrest part of a vehicle seat. The side parts are usually formed sheet metal parts.

[0038] The further component is usually axially secured in both directions, on the one hand by the at least one formed axial securing element and on the other hand by a further positive-locking securing element, which can be, for example, an abutment attached to the tubular supporting component, for example a flange or a circumferential fold or bulge of the supporting component itself.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the additional component is rotatably mounted on the tubular support component. The opening of the additional component therefore forms a bearing eye in which the tubular support component is mounted. The additional component is arranged and mounted in particular directly adjacent to the at least one axial securing element. Due to the precise positioning and defined deformation, the additional component can be mounted close to the axial securing element without the risk of stiffness.

[0040] A bearing element, in particular a (sliding) bearing bush, is preferably arranged between the supporting component and an inner wall of the opening of the further component.

[0041] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the single figure.

[0042] This shows a simplified sectional view through a component connection between a tubular support component and another component, whereby a forming mandrel is also shown to illustrate the assembly process, which is inserted into the support component.

[0043] The component connection 2 shown in the figure is formed between a tubular support component 4 and a further component 6. The tubular support component 4 extends in the longitudinal direction L. The component connection 2 is, in particular, part of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the tubular support component 4 is a cross tube that connects two opposite side parts of the vehicle seat. The two side parts are each formed by the further component 6. The further component 6 is, for example, a side bolster of a backrest, a seat pan, or a seat support.

[0044] The further component 6 is preferably mounted on the support component 4 so as to be rotatable or at least pivotable about a rotation axis 8. For this purpose, the further component has an opening 9 designed in the manner of a bearing eye, through which the support component is guided with an end region 16.

[0045] The axis of rotation 8 is defined in particular by a center axis of the tubular support component 4 and thus runs in the longitudinal direction L. For support, in the exemplary embodiment, a bearing, in particular a bearing bush 10, is arranged between the support component 4 and the further component 6. The bearing bush 10 is L-shaped in the exemplary embodiment, viewed in a half-section, i.e., it has a cylindrical bushing part extending in the longitudinal direction L and an annular flange adjoining it at the end.

[0046] The further component 6 is usually oriented substantially perpendicular to the supporting component 4 in the region of the latter. In the region of the bearing bush 10, it also has a cylindrical bearing region which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L. At the end (viewed in the direction of the longitudinal direction L), a particularly circumferential flange 12 is formed on this bearing region of the further component 6 in the exemplary embodiment as part of the further component 6. In the exemplary embodiment, the flange 12 bears against an abutment 14, for example via a sliding surface, wherein the abutment 14 is formed, for example, by an abutment sleeve which is fixedly fastened to the supporting component 4 in a displacement-proof manner.

[0047] The tubular support component 4 extends generally in the longitudinal direction L from an end region 16 with an end face 18. In the initial state, the support component 4 has, for example, a constant outer diameter.

[0048] For axial securing, several axial securing elements 20 are formed in this end region 16 in the exemplary embodiment, specifically by radially deforming and expanding the tubular casing of the supporting component 4 at discrete locations. For example, a total of 3 to 8, and in particular 4 to 6, individual discrete securing elements 20 are formed, distributed around the circumference and in particular evenly distributed.

[0049] These are each formed by radial bulges in the pipe casing. In the exemplary embodiment, the maximum radial outer diameter of these securing elements 20 preferably adjoins the end face 18. The respective axial securing element 20 therefore tapers toward the end face 18 with a preferably constant outer diameter.

[0050] What is noteworthy in this embodiment is that the expanded wall region of the securing element 20, which adjoins the end face 18 in the longitudinal direction L, runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The end face 18 usually runs perpendicular thereto.

[0051] To form the supporting component 4, it is cut to a desired length so that the end face 18 assumes a defined angular orientation to the longitudinal direction and is usually oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The end face is therefore oriented parallel to a vertical plane to which the longitudinal direction L is a normal.

[0052] It should be emphasized that an original angular orientation, in particular the vertical orientation, is retained even after the forming process for forming the axial securing elements 20.

[0053] Due to the discrete securing elements 20 arranged distributed around the circumference, wall sections are arranged between the individual securing elements 20 in the circumferential direction, which are oriented in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction L

[0054] To form the end region 16, a multi-part forming mandrel 22 is used as follows: The forming mandrel 22 has at least one longitudinally extending section 24 and preferably a plurality of such sections 24, which are segment-like or shell-like and, as a whole, preferably complement each other to form a sleeve. The individual sections 24 therefore form sleeve segments. A free interior space is formed between them. The individual sections 24 are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction and, due to the free interior space, can be moved relative to one another in the radial direction.

[0055] Each of these sections has an outer side 26 which, when viewed in plan view (as viewed in the longitudinal direction), is particularly curved, so that when viewed in section, each respective section 24 forms a type of arc segment. At least one radially outwardly projecting forming element 28 is formed on the outer side 26, which is designed in particular in the manner of a radially projecting nub. A front portion of the outer side 26, which adjoins the forming element 28 towards the front in the longitudinal direction L, tapers conically. Contrary to the longitudinal direction L, the exemplary embodiment provides, for example, that the outer side 26 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L adjacent to the securing elements 20.

[0056] Each of these sections 24 also has an inner surface 30 facing the interior, which is oriented at an angle and thus also tapers conically. This inner surface 30 is uniformly oriented at an angle over the entire length of the sections 24.

[0057] As a further component, the forming mandrel 22 has an expanding mandrel 32, which can be inserted into the free interior space between the sections 24. The expanding mandrel 32 is displaceable relative to the two sections 24 in and against the longitudinal direction L.

[0058] In order to form and create the axial securing elements 20, the forming mandrel 22 with the expanding mandrel 32 retracted at least counter to the longitudinal direction L is now first inserted into the end region 16 in the longitudinal direction L. The two sections 24 are each brought together in the direction of the center axis of the supporting component 4, so that when the forming mandrel 22 is inserted in the longitudinal direction L, no forming takes place, ie the forming elements 28 do not yet exert any radial forming force.

[0059] The forming mandrel 22, specifically the sections 24, are introduced to a defined forming position, where the forming elements 28 reach a longitudinal position where the securing elements 20 are to be formed. The expanding mandrel 32 is then pushed further longitudinally into the interior space between the sections 24 and driven in with force, so that the two sections 24 are spread apart in opposite directions in the radial direction, as indicated by the two radial arrows. As a result, the forming elements 28 press against the inner wall of the end region 16 with a radial forming force, forming the securing elements 20 by forming and radially expanding the pipe shell.

[0060] It's important to note that only radial forces are exerted here. No conical expansion is created by driving in a conical forming surface.

[0061] This special forming process is reflected in the finished component connection 2, particularly in the typically vertical orientation of the end face 18 and / or the wall regions running parallel to the longitudinal direction L. This is, on the one hand, an axial wall region 34, in particular its outer side, which extends from the securing element in the direction of the end face 18.

[0062] Also a circumferential wall section which extends in the circumferential direction between the individual discrete securing elements 20 (in the Fig. 1 not visible) preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L. This is generally understood to mean that an axially extending component of the wall section extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0063] After the forming process is complete, the forming mandrel 22 is withdrawn again in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction L. With the component connection 2 created in this way, the additional component 8 is axially secured by the axial securing elements 20. At the same time, it is also axially secured by the abutment 14, so that it is axially secured in both directions by positive locking. List of reference symbols 2 Component connection 4 Load-bearing component 6 additional component 8 axis of rotation 9 Opening 10 bearing bush 12 flange 14 abutments 16 End area 18 Frontal surface 20 securing element 22 Forming mandrel 24 sections 26 Outside 28 Forming element 30 interior surface 32 expanding mandrel QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 206 461 A1

[0003] DE 20 2015 003 006 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for assembling a tubular support component (4) of a motor vehicle, in particular a vehicle seat, extending in a longitudinal direction (L), to a further component (6) which has an opening (9) into which an end region (16) of the support component (4) is inserted, wherein the end region (16) is widened radially for an axial form-fitting fastening to the further component (6) to form at least one axial securing element (20), characterized by that for radial expansion, the supporting component (4) is formed with the aid of a forming mandrel (22) by radially displacing at least one section (24) of the forming mandrel (22). [2] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the forming mandrel (22) is first introduced into the supporting component (4) in the longitudinal direction (L) without any forming of the end region (16) taking place, and that only then does the radial forming take place by the radial displacement of at least one partial piece (24). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the end region (16) has an end face (18), wherein optionally or in combination - an angular orientation of the end face (18) is not affected by the forming, - a circumferential wall region of the end region (16), which adjoins the at least one axial securing element (20) in the circumferential direction, is not deformed during the forming process and / or retains its original orientation, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), - an axial wall region of the end region (16), which adjoins the at least one axial securing element (20) axially in the direction of the end face (18), is not deformed during the forming process and / or retains its original orientation, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction (L). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the forming mandrel (22) has several sections (24) which are displaceable relative to one another in the radial direction. [5] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the plurality of sections (24) form a sleeve. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the forming mandrel (22) has an expanding mandrel (32) which is displaced in the longitudinal direction (L) for the radial displacement of the at least one partial piece (24) relative thereto. [7] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the expanding mandrel (32) widens conically. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one partial piece (24) is a shell element which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and / or which has a radially projecting forming element (28) on its outer side (26). [9] Component connection (2) between a tubular support component (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a further component (6), in particular a vehicle seat, wherein the further component (6) has an opening (9) into which the tubular support component (4) is inserted with an end region (16), wherein the end region (16) has an end face (18) and the end region (16) surrounds the further component (6) at least in partial regions in a form-fitting manner with an axial securing element (20) formed by a deformation, characterized bythat at least one and preferably at least two or all of the following features are met: - the end face (18) is oriented parallel to a vertical plane to which the longitudinal direction (L) is perpendicular, - a circumferential wall region of the support part (4), which adjoins the at least one axial securing element (20) in the circumferential direction, runs parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), - an axial wall region of the supporting component (4), which adjoins the at least one axial securing element (20) in the longitudinal direction (L) in the direction of the end face (18), runs parallel to the longitudinal direction (L). [10] Component connection (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the end region (16) has a plurality of discrete axial securing elements (20) in the circumferential direction. [11] Component connection (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, which is part of a vehicle seat. [12] Component connection (2) according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which the further component (6) is rotatably mounted on the supporting component (4).

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